This weekend join the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra as they welcome back featured cellist, Arnold Choi. Choi is the recent winner of the Canada Council String Bank competition which gives him the use of the 1696 Stradivarius "Bonjour" Cello for the next three years. He brings this extraordinary cello, valued at $11,000,000 to the Okanagan to perform Elgar's Cello Concerto with the OSO.

“Arnold is such a delight to have on the stage and our musicians are thrilled to make music with him again, ” states Rosemary Thomson, Music Director of the Orchestra. "Arnold's talent combined with this "one of a kind" cello will create a breathtaking performance of this sumptuous piece.

The OSO will also perform Marion Mozetich's Romantic Rhapsody and Robert Schumann’s Third Symphony "The Rhenish". The “Rhenish” is composed of five heartfelt tone paintings depicting scenes from Schumann's beloved Rhine Valley. This musical illustration moves through heroic declamations, country dances, a lilting interlude, the vision of a rising cathedral spire, and a dashing, exhilarating finale. This is rhapsodic music at its most romantic.

As part of the OSO outreach program, “Arnold Choi will also be offering a Masterclass workshop in Vernon on Sunday from 12:30pm-2:30pm providing an opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s best performers,” comments Thomson. “Musicians of all ages are looking forward to the opportunity to listen and learn, and anyone with an interest in observing this workshop is welcome to join us.” The workshop takes place at the Recital Room in the main building of the Vernon Community Music School.

Romantic Rhapsody opens November 16 in Kelowna, November 17 in Penticton and November 18 in Vernon. Tickets for performances are available at the Penticton Wine Information Centre ph: 250.276.2170, Kelowna Actors Studio ph: 250.862.2867, Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre ph: 250.549.7469 or online via www.okanagansymphony.com.

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is the third largest professional Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia; entertaining residents of the Okanagan Valley and visitors from around the globe with symphonic music since 1960.